The First Provincial Congress of Marist Education, held at the Liceo Salvadoreño on 23 and 24 August, marked a milestone in the journey towards innovation and educational excellence in the Marist Province of Central America. With the participation of educators and administrators from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, the event focused on the theme ‘Sowing the Future’, underlining the importance of collaboration and innovation in education.
Inspiring opening
The congress was opened with fervour and enthusiasm by Brother Nice Gárrán, rector of the Liceo Salvadoreño, who highlighted the significance of the meeting in strengthening the Marist educational mission. Messages from Brothers Gerardo Munguía and Juan Carlos Bolaños highlighted the need to adapt education to contemporary challenges, while the opening prayer, led by Colegio Marista San Alfonso, reminded everyone of the presence of Marist and divine values in their work.
Congress Presentations and Workshops
The event offered a variety of presentations and interactive workshops, each designed to delve into different aspects of contemporary Marist education:
- Educational Innovation: this session focused on the implementation of new ideas, methods and technologies to improve teaching and learning outcomes, highlighting the importance of educational innovation in addressing challenges such as improving student engagement and fostering critical skills.
- Neuroscience Applied to Education: Topics such as the impact of attention on learning and the neurological basis of reading were addressed, providing educators with tools to adapt their teaching methods to the cognitive needs of students.
- Prophetic and Servant Leadership: Reflecting on the development of inspirational and humble leadership, this presentation invited educational leaders to question and reflect on how they are prepared to lead in a contemporary world.
- STEAM in Action: This workshop allowed educators to experience how the integration of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics can revitalise learning and make it more interactive and stimulating.
- Weaving Knowledge: Focused on interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity as pedagogical approaches that enrich learning, making knowledge more accessible and applicable.
- Learning with Artificial Intelligence: explored how AI can personalise and enhance learning in the classroom, offering educators new perspectives and tools for teaching.
Closing and Final Reflections
The congress concluded with a moving musical performance by students from the Liceo Salvadoreño, which traced 100 years of Marist history at the school, highlighting the evolution and lasting impact of Marist education in the region.
This congress served not only as a forum for the exchange of ideas and the deepening of advanced pedagogical practices, but also as an affirmation of the Marist Province’s commitment to holistic, innovative and evangelising education. Participants left with new tools and renewed inspiration to continue to transform education in their respective contexts, always aligned with the values of St. Marcellin Champagnat and prepared to face the challenges of the future.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to all the speakers, organisers and participants whose effort and dedication made this congress a true space for learning and growth. The Marist educational community is strengthened through these meetings, ensuring that the mission of educating with love, faith and innovation continues to flourish in every corner of our countries.
Communications Office – Central America
